Lythrum salicaria as an example species for the use of wetland plants in rain gardens

Klimaendringer og spådommer om mer ekstremt vær i nær fremtid gjør at blant annet lokal håndtering av overvann har fått et betydelig større fokus den siste tiden. Som et tiltak for dette har det blitt utviklet en 3-trinns strategi der regnbed er et av tiltakene i strategien. Regnbed er en blågrønn løsning for å forsinke og infiltrere vannet fra små og mellom-store nedbørsmengder. God plantevekst er viktig for regnbedets funksjon og plantene som brukes i regnbed må tåle vekslende tørre og våte perioder. Våtmarksplanter blir ofte anbefalt for regnbed, og Lythrum salicaria (kattehale) er en slik art. Oppgaven ser på egnetheten til L. salicaria og våtmarksplanter i regnbed basert på målinger av vekst og en vurdering av konkurransedyktighet. I august 2020 ble det anlagt et forsøksregnbed for stedegne arter i parken på Norges miljø- og biovitenskapelige universitet (NMBU) i Ås. L. salicaria er der en av artene som ble plantet i store deler av bedet. Målingene i felt ser på helhet, bladskade, sykdom, dekkevne og høyde for plantene, fordelt på nivåer fra kanten til bunnen av bedet. Det viser seg at individene i kanten av bedet vokser bedre enn individene mot bunnen av bedet. I kanten er det målt størst dekkevne og høyde på plantene, samt at helheten er vurdert best for disse individene. Konkurransedyktigheten er vurdert til å ikke utgjøre noen fare for utkonkurrering av andre arter, selv om spredningsevnen er svært god. Arten er i sin helhet vurdert som lite egnet for regnbed, det samme gjelder våtmarksplanter. Bakgrunnen for denne vurderingen er at lengre tørkeperioder viser seg å være et større problem i regnbed enn de sporadiske oversvømmelsene. Våtmarksplanter krever mer fuktighet enn det regnbed er designet for, og vil da ikke trives godt nok til å kunne opprettholde sin funksjon i regnbedet.Climate change and predictions of increased occurrences of extreme weather, means that amongst other issues, local stormwater management has gained a significant increase of interest in the past few years. As a measure for managing stormwater, there has been developed a 3-part strategy where rain gardens are one of the parts. Rain gardens are a blue-green solution to collect and infiltrate stormwater from small and medium-sized rainfalls. For the rain gardens to function properly, it is important to have plants that grow and thrive. Plants used in rain gardens have to tolerate both dry and wet periods. Wetland plants are commonly recommended for rain gardens, and Lythrum salicaria (purple loosestrife) is one of the species recommended. This paper will evaluate the suitability for the use of L. salicaria and wetland plants in rain gardens, based on measuring the growth and evaluating the plants competitiveness. In August 2020, a rain garden designed for testing local species, was planted in the park at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences in Ås. L. salicaria is one of the species used in the majority of the rain garden. Measurements were taken in the field for the plant as a whole, leaf-damage, disease, ground-coverage and height for each individual, divided into different levels from the edge to the centre of the rain garden. It was observed that the individuals growing at the edge of the rain garden have better growth than the individuals towards the centre. The best measurements for ground-coverage and height were measured for the individuals at the edge of the rain garden, in addition, these individuals got best score for the plant as a whole. The competitiveness of the species is evaluated as low risk for outcompeting other species, even though L. salicaria has a high potential for spreading by seed. The species as a whole is evaluated as less suitable for use in rain gardens, wetland plants got the same evaluation. The background for this evaluation is that long periods of drought is seen as a larger difficulty than the occasional flooding. Wetland plants require more moisture than what a rain garden is designed for and will therefore not thrive well enough for maintaining the plants function for the rain garden.M-P

Plasma creatinine in dogs: intra- and inter-laboratory variation in 10 European veterinary laboratories

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>There is substantial variation in reported reference intervals for canine plasma creatinine among veterinary laboratories, thereby influencing the clinical assessment of analytical results. The aims of the study was to determine the inter- and intra-laboratory variation in plasma creatinine among 10 veterinary laboratories, and to compare results from each laboratory with the upper limit of its reference interval.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Samples were collected from 10 healthy dogs, 10 dogs with expected intermediate plasma creatinine concentrations, and 10 dogs with azotemia. Overlap was observed for the first two groups. The 30 samples were divided into 3 batches and shipped in random order by postal delivery for plasma creatinine determination. Statistical testing was performed in accordance with ISO standard methodology.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Inter- and intra-laboratory variation was clinically acceptable as plasma creatinine values for most samples were usually of the same magnitude. A few extreme outliers caused three laboratories to fail statistical testing for consistency. Laboratory sample means above or below the overall sample mean, did not unequivocally reflect high or low reference intervals in that laboratory.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>In spite of close analytical results, further standardization among laboratories is warranted. The discrepant reference intervals seem to largely reflect different populations used in establishing the reference intervals, rather than analytical variation due to different laboratory methods.</p

Determination of extracellular fluid volume in healthy and azotemic cats

BACKGROUND: Methods for determining extracellular fluid volume (ECFV) are important clinically for cats. Bromide dilution has been studied in cats to estimate ECFV. Markers of GFR also distribute in ECFV and can be used for its measurement. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to develop a method of determining ECFV from iohexol clearance in cats and evaluate agreement with that determined using bromide dilution. Additional objectives were to compare ECFV between azotemic and nonazotemic cats and evaluate appropriate methods of standardizing ECFV. ANIMALS: Client‐owned cats with varying renal function. METHODS: Validation of ECFV determined from slope‐intercept iohexol clearance was performed in 18 healthy nonazotemic cats. ECFV was then determined using the validated method and bromide dilution and agreement assessed. Appropriateness of standardization to body weight (BW) and body surface area (BSA) was evaluated. RESULTS: Extracellular fluid volume determined from slope‐intercept iohexol clearance and bromide dilution was 0.84 ± 0.32 L and 0.85 ± 0.19 L (mean ± SD), respectively. There were wide limits of agreement between the methods (−0.58 to 0.54 L) and therefore, agreement was considered to be poor. ECFV did not differ significantly between azotemic and nonazotemic cats (P = .177). BSA was found to be the best method for standardizing ECFV measurement in cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: This study developed a method for determining ECFV from slope‐intercept iohexol clearance which provides simultaneous assessment of renal function and an estimate of ECFV. ECFV does not differ between azotemic and nonazotemic cats, which suggests fluid volume loss or overload is not an important clinical feature in cats with mild chronic kidney disease

Mechanisms involved in PGE2-induced transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor in MH1C1 hepatocarcinoma cells.

Background It is important to understand the mechanisms by which the cells integrate signals from different receptors. Several lines of evidence implicate epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) in the pathophysiology of hepatocarcinomas. Data also suggest a role of prostaglandins in some of these tumours, through their receptors of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family. In this study we have investigated mechanisms of interaction between signalling from prostaglandin receptors and EGFR in hepatocarcinoma cells. Methods The rat hepatocarcinoma cell line MH1C1 and normal rat hepatocytes in primary culture were stimulated with EGF or prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and in some experiments also PGF2α. DNA synthesis was determined by incorporation of radiolabelled thymidine into DNA, phosphorylation of proteins in signalling pathways was assessed by Western blotting, mRNA expression of prostaglandin receptors was determined using qRT-PCR, accumulation of inositol phosphates was measured by incorporation of radiolabelled inositol, and cAMP was determined by radioimmunoassay. Results In the MH1C1 hepatocarcinoma cells, stimulation with PGE2 or PGF2α caused phosphorylation of the EGFR, Akt, and ERK, which could be blocked by the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib. This did not occur in primary hepatocytes. qRT-PCR revealed expression of EP1, EP4, and FP receptor mRNA in MH1C1 cells. PGE2 stimulated accumulation of inositol phosphates but not cAMP in these cells, suggesting signalling via PLCβ. While pretreatment with EP1 and EP4 receptor antagonists did not inhibit the effect of PGE2, pretreatment with an FP receptor antagonist blocked the phosphorylation of EGFR, Akt and ERK. Further studies suggested that the PGE2-induced signal was mediated via Ca2+ release and not PKC activation, and that it proceeded through Src and shedding of membrane-bound EGFR ligand precursors by proteinases of the ADAM family. Conclusion The results indicate that in MH1C1 cells, unlike normal hepatocytes, PGE2 activates the MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways by transactivation of the EGFR, thus diversifying the GPCR-mediated signal. The data also suggest that the underlying mechanisms in these cells involve FP receptors, PLCβ, Ca2+, Src, and proteinase-mediated release of membrane-associated EGFR ligand(s)

Risk Factors for Development of Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats

BACKGROUND: Identification of risk factors for development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats may aid in its earlier detection. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of clinical and questionnaire data will identify risk factors for development of azotemic CKD in cats. ANIMALS: One hundred and forty‐eight client‐owned geriatric (>9 years) cats. METHODS: Cats were recruited into the study and followed longitudinally for a variable time. Owners were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding their pet at enrollment. Additional data regarding dental disease were obtained when available by development of a dental categorization system. Variables were explored in univariable and multivariable Cox regression models. RESULTS: In the final multivariable Cox regression model, annual/frequent vaccination (P value, .003; hazard ratio, 5.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.83–17.64), moderate dental disease (P value, .008; hazard ratio, 13.83; 95% confidence interval, 2.01–94.99), and severe dental disease (P value, .001; hazard ratio, 35.35; 95% confidence interval, 4.31–289.73) predicted development of azotemic CKD. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests independent associations between both vaccination frequency and severity of dental disease and development of CKD. Further studies to explore the pathophysiological mechanism of renal injury for these risk factors are warranted

Renal histomorphology in dogs with pyometra and control dogs, and long term clinical outcome with respect to signs of kidney disease

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Age-related changes in renal histomorphology are described, while the presence of glomerulonephritis in dogs with pyometra is controversial in current literature.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Dogs with pyometra were examined retrospectively for evidence of secondary renal damage and persisting renal disease through two retrospective studies. In Study 1, light microscopic lesions of renal tissue were graded and compared in nineteen dogs with pyometra and thirteen age-matched control bitches. In Study 2, forty-one owners of dogs with pyometra were interviewed approximately 8 years after surgery for evidence ofclinical signs of renal failure in order to document causes of death/euthanasia.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Interstitial inflammation and tubular atrophy were more pronounced in dogs with pyometra than in the control animals. Glomerular lesions classified as glomerular sclerosis were present in both groups. No unequivocal light microscopic features of glomerulonephritis were observed in bitches in any of the groups.</p> <p>Two bitches severely proteinuric at the time of surgery had developed end stage renal disease within 3 years. In five of the bitches polyuria persisted after surgery. Most bitches did not show signs of kidney disease at the time of death/euthanasia.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Tubulointerstitial inflammation was observed, but glomerular damage beyond age-related changes could not be demonstrated by light microscopy in the dogs with pyometra. However, severe proteinuria after surgery may predispose to development of renal failure.</p

Cardiac troponin I levels in canine pyometra

BACKGROUND: Myocardial injury may contribute to unexpected deaths due to pyometra. To detect myocardial damage, measurement of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is currently the most sensitive and specific method. The aims of the present study were to evaluate presence of myocardial damage in canine pyometra by analysis of cTnI, to explore whether myocardial injury was associated with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and to evaluate whether other clinical or laboratory parameters were associated with cTnI increase. METHODS: Preoperative plasma levels of cTnI were investigated in 58 female dogs with pyometra and 9 controls. The value of physical examination findings, haematological, serum biochemical and pro-inflammatory (CRP and TNF-α) parameters as possible predictors of increased cTnI levels was also evaluated. RESULTS: Seven dogs with pyometra (12%) and one control dog (11%) had increased levels of cTnI. In the pyometra group, the levels ranged between 0.3–0.9 μg l(-1 )and in the control dog the level was 0.3 μg l(-1). The cTnI levels did not differ significantly between the two groups. No cardiac abnormalities were evident on preoperative physical examinations. Four of the pyometra patients died within two weeks of surgery, of which two were examined post mortem. In one of these cases (later diagnosed with myocarditis and disseminated bacterial infection) the cTnI levels increased from 0.9 μg l(-1 )preoperatively to 180 μg l(-1 )the following day when also heart arrhythmia was also detected. The other patient had cTnI levels of 0.7 μg l(-1 )with no detectable heart pathology post mortem. CTnI increase was not associated with presence of SIRS. There was a trend for the association of cTnI increase with increased mortality. No preoperative physical examination findings and few but unspecific laboratory parameters were associated with increased cTnI levels. CONCLUSION: Increased cTnI levels were observed in 12% of the dogs with pyometra. The proportions of dogs with cTnI increase did not differ significantly in the pyometra group compared with the control group. CTnI increase was not associated with presence of SIRS. A trend for association of cTnI increase and mortality was observed. Preoperative physical examination findings and included laboratory parameters were poor predictors of increased cTnI levels